War with the United States would not be bearable, says China’s defense minister, Li Shangfu

Recently, China’s defense minister, in his very first significant speech, made a statement that said that a war with the United States would be an “unbearable disaster” for the whole world.

General Li Shangfu stated at a security summit that “some countries” have been intensifying an arms race in the continent of Asia.

However, General Li Shangfu stated that the world was huge for both the United States and China. Plus, he also emphasized the fact that both these superpower nations must seek common ground. General Li Shangfu became the defense minister of China in March.

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Internal accusations between the superpowers

The United States had accused a Chinese warship of carrying out maneuvers that were unsafe in the Taiwan Strait.

The United States Navy stated that a Chinese destroyer, on Saturday, had sailed near one of its destroyers on Saturday. The Chinese destroyer compelled it to slow down in order to prevent a collision. The US Navy said that during this event, a Canadian shop had also been sailing nearby.

China further frowned upon both nations for “deliberately provoking risk.” The United States and Canada stated that they have been sailing where international law permits.

General Li Shangfu, in his speech, accused the United States of having a “Cold War mentality.” He said that this was greatly enhancing risks relating to security.

Gen Li stated that China would not be able to permit naval patrols by the United States and the US allies to be an excuse to enjoy hegemony of navigation.

When Gen Li was asked about the incident in the Taiwan Strait, he stated that nations from outside the region were bringing tensions.

General Li spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The dialogue is the only annual security meeting in the Asia-Pacific area.

The capital of China has declined a request from the United States that sought direct military talks in order to protest with regard to the sanctions imposed on Chinese defense minister Gen Li by the United States in the year 2018 over the issue of weapons bought from Russia.

Vedant Patel, the State Department deputy spokesperson, in Washington, stated that the United States aspires to hold a "predictable" ties with China and say no to "any new Cold War".

Vedant Patel also said that "Our competition must not spill over into conflict."

General Li Shangfu held a rather moderate tone. This signifies that his possibility with the United States counterpart is there, however, Washington needs to remove all sanctions against Gen Li Shangfu, as said by a retired People's Liberation Army officer, Zhou Bo.

Sanctions against General Li Shangfu

It was in the year 2018 when General Li Shangfu was sanctioned over the accession of military hardware through Russia. It was earlier this year, that his tenure as a defense minister for five years commenced. However, the sanctions imposed on him do not allow him to travel to the United States. Not to miss, the sanctions also make it challenging for General Li Shangfu to invite General Austin to China, as stated by Mr. Zhou.

A statement by Mr. Zhou said that "If the sanction is there, how can we talk? The sanctions are very much consequential."

Relations between Beijing and Washington in the recent years

Washington and Beijing have not been enjoying peaceful relations for the past few years. There is no one but a myriad of reasons that contribute to the strained tensions. One of these major issues is the claim by China over Taiwan. The territorial conflicts in the South China Sea are also worrisome matters that have strained the relations.

Lt Gen Jing Jianfeng, a senior PLA official stated that there wasn't any scope for compromise on Taiwan. The man accused the United States of intrusive interference in the area.

On the other hand, the man points out the fact that the intent of Washington to enhance the number of rotational deployment troops in the area holds the potential to add fuel to the risk of a confrontation.

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